BP deepwater well strikes gas in East Nile Delta

The Salamat deepwater exploration well, drilled by the semi Maersk Discoverer, was the site of a significant gas discovery in the East Nile Delta.

It was the first well in the North Damietta Offshore concession granted in February 2010 and operated by BP. Wireline logs, fluid samples and pressure data confirmed the presence of gas and condensate in 38 meters net of Oligocene sands. Further appraisal will be required to better define field resources and evaluate options for developing the discovery.

“Success with Salamat proves hydrocarbons in the center of a 50-km-long structure. With a hydrocarbon column in excess of 180 meters, the discovery increases our confidence in the materiality of the deep Oligocene play in the East Nile Delta,” BP executive VP Mike Daly said.

The discovery is approximately 75 km north of the city of Damietta and 35 km northwest of the Temsah offshore facilities. BP has 100% equity in the discovery.

Hesham Mekawi, BP Egypt regional president, said, “The Salamat discovery is a great outcome for our first well in this core exploration program in the East Nile Delta. It shows our commitment to meeting Egypt’s energy needs by exploring the deep potential offshore the Nile Delta. Standalone and tie-back to the nearby Temsah infrastructure development options are currently being evaluated.”